Book Description

Professor Walker's Legal History of Scotland will be published in seven volumes. It is the only attempt yet made to write a chronological narrative account of the development of the Scottish legal system from early times on a substantial scale, with extensive reference to original sources. That development is wholly different from that of the English legal system. Attention is given at all stages to sources and legal literature, the influences of other legal systems, the courts and procedure, the lawyers, the roles of Parliament and the Privy Council, and to public, criminal and private law, both substantive and procedural. This volume examines the progress of the law of Scotland from the Union of 1707 to the early years of the 1800s. It is a period full of dramatic developments, notable figures and great cases. The backdrop is growing industry and commerce, the brilliance of the Scottish Enlightenment and then the turmoil brought about by the French Revolution.The legal nature and status of the Treaty of Union is analysed in detail and its consequences are seen in many contexts. The changes in Parliament and in central and local government are examined, including the consequences